Photo by Kyrre Carlsen
Fall 2015 | Wingfield Springs Community Association Newsletter
W “Theft prevention: Work with your neighbors to ensure pick up of any item that may hint nobody is home.”
hat a good summer we had. Difficult at times due to the drought situation, yet we were mostly spared of the fires and floods Mother Nature dished out west and east of us. All local events went on mainly as planned so hopefully a good time was had by all. So now fall is in the air. Nice breezy days, cool nights, and leaves turning colors. Great time of year. For us on the Board, it is time for 2016 budget preparation. We will unfold our proposed financial plan during the Board meeting scheduled for October 22nd at 6 p.m. at the Red Hawk Private Members Lounge located across the breezeway from David’s Grill. We look forward to your attendance. More about the Board meeting October 22nd: We will have important figureheads as guest speakers. They will spend some time with us to introduce themselves, cover mainline topics of their area of responsibility, and field questions from the audience. We are honored to have (in order of the agenda): • Nevada Assemblywoman Jill Dickman, Assembly District 31 • Ward 4 Councilwoman Charlene Bybee, City of Sparks • Project lead Wingfield Cove (Village 30), Jackie Seeno, Seeno Construction Perfect time for all to ask questions and get to know these officials. Theft prevention: I always cover this topic in this October issue of HawkTalk. We are under the watch of a professional safety patrol. House watch is a free service they offer for folks who will have their property unattended for any length of time. Most users of this service praise it—certainly worth taking advantage of. Other tips for consideration: Work with your neighbors to ensure pick up of any item that may hint nobody is home. Install timers and nighttime lighting both inside and out. Of course, an alarm system with cameras will help deter illintentioned individuals. There are several other approaches to prevention; simply search the internet on the subject for more information. Board Director Elections: This year two Board Director Seats are up for renewal. If only one or two individuals submit their candidacy they will automatically be voted in. If more than two submissions are received an election will take place. You will then receive the ballots in early November. It is then important you cast your vote for the two candidates of your choice. We encourage you to exercise your right and return your sealed ballots promptly. The results will be announced at the November 19th annual meeting. Since this release covers October to December, on behalf of the Board and our partners, we wish you a great Thanksgiving and a very festive holiday season. We look forward to working with you in 2016. Until then remain safe and healthy.
Bob Denis
PRESIDENT, WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Community
manager’s report
H Wingfield Springs
Community Association Newsletter WSCA Board of Directors PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER DIRECTOR
Bob Denis, calraisin1@outlook.com Lou Dauria, eplus@aol.com Marilyn Brainard, mebrain@att.net Ray Case, rcase275@gmail.com Richard Jones, rijonesjr@juno.com
Handy Phone Numbers & Information ASSOCIA SIERRA NORTH Telephone: (775) 626-7333 Melissa Robertson, Community Manager Direct Line: (775)334-7449 Leah Baker, Assistant to Melissa Direct Line: (775)334-7426 Facsimile: (775) 626-7374 Website: www.wingfieldspringshoa.org Email: wfsservice@associasn.com Office Hours: 8 am–5 pm Monday through Friday; the phone lines shut down at 4 pm on Friday. WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY PATROL (775) 722-6270 Call 911 for emergency services; ambulance, fire, police. Red Hawk Swim & Fitness Center David’s Grill at Red Hawk Red Hawk Golf Club Washoe County Regional Animal Services Sparks Police Department (Non-emergency) Reno Green Landscaping Call immediately for water related issues.
(775) 626-8699 (775) 626-1000 (775) 626-4599 (775) 353-8900 (775) 353-2231 (775) 852-8952
Please note: Views expressed in HawkTalk are not necessarily the opinions of WSCA, its board members or Associa Sierra North. The editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles for content and space constraints. Advertising in HawkTalk is paid for by the individual advertisers. WSCA does not necessarily endorse or support any of the advertisers. Advertising monies collected are used to offset the printing costs of each HawkTalk. HawkTalk is supported in whole by advertising. Newsletter published by: Kathy Hess, Just Imagine Marketing and Design (775) 746-4138 | kathy@justimaginemktg.com
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ello! I hope you had a nice summer and were able to get out and enjoy some of the northern Nevada events. Speaking of events, be sure to check out the upcoming events page at the back of this edition. Please be sure to also review the articles submitted by your Board of Directors as there is a lot of great information included. Many members in the community are off-site homeowners and utilize their properties as rental homes. It is not only important to maintain communication with the homeowner regarding HOA related items, but with the tenant as well. It is pertinent that tenants residing within the community have access to updates regarding current projects, community alerts, reporting landscaping/irrigation issues, etc. Please note that owners are responsible for making their tenants, guests and invitees aware of the CC&Rs, Bylaws, Policy Resolutions, Design Review Guidelines and the Rules and Regulations. Owners are also responsible for updating the management company with tenant/lease information. Ryan Harvey (Reno Green) and I recently drove each of the main paths to include Decoy Dr., West Perimeter, Island Queen Dr., Poco Bueno Cricle, Media Court, S. Florentine Dr./Silver King Dr., N. Diamond Oaks Ct., Cinnamon, Eagle Wing Circle, Copper Ann Dr., etc. The drive was beneficial as we were able to identify common areas in need of minor maintenance in areas not always visible from a street view. One of the main purposes of the drive was to also identify homes and lots in need of maintenance along these walking paths. There were many fences in need of repair, overgrown vegetation impeding onto the paths and the back of homes in need of painting. Please take a look at your home/lot and bring it into compliance as we will be following up on these items with the individual owners. We noticed a few dog stations that appear to be vandalized. The dog stations are for the benefit of the community and we ask that they be handled properly. It was reported at the last meeting that there are almost 200 sidewalk panels that are uplifted ¾” to 1 ½ “ due to common area tree roots. This list will be evaluated and the Board/Management will work on prioritizing and budgeting for repairs over the next few years. There are 14 areas where the sidewalk panel is uplifted 1 ½” or greater. The Board has hired a contractor to make the necessary repairs to these areas this year in efforts to minimize the safety concern. The same method for prioritizing/budgeting will take place for the 5,344 trees in regards to maintenance/replacement of the trees within Wingfield Springs. Please keep your eye out for the 2015 Annual Meeting mailer which will be mailed out in early November. This mailer will include the proposed 2016 budget, Board of Directors election material and much more. I hope to see you at the Annual Members Meeting on November 19th, Board meeting on October 22 and the Holiday Party on December 19th. Thank you. Associa Sierra North – An Associa® Member Company
Melissa Robertson, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Senior Manager — Nevada Certified Supervising Community Manager
HawkTalk | Fall 2015
2015 ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTIES
P
lease join us to celebrate the December holidays on Saturday, December 19th at the Red Hawk Events Center; this event is sponsored by the Wingfield Springs Community Association. In an effort to accommodate as many guests as possible, there will be a brunch party from 10:00 a.m. through 12:00 noon and a lunch party from 2:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. There will be a special buffet for everyone at each party. There will be a check-in table at the entrance; Leah will be checking you and your guests in as you arrive. Wingfield Springs owners, residents and their immediate family members are invited to attend free of charge; each family/guest may attend either the brunch or the lunch party. In order to allow a maximum number of Wingfield Springs’ residents to attend, please include only directly-related family members. Children 12 years of age and under can decorate holiday cookies, make a holiday craft, and visit with Santa Claus. Children must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend. Adults are welcome to help the children decorate and/or make the craft. There are always families in need of a helping hand during the holiday
NCL # 0044463
season. The WSCA Board of Directors approved conducting a food drive during the Annual Holiday Parties; the Food Bank of Northern Nevada was chosen. Each attending guest is encouraged to bring at least one item, per person, from the following list:
Soup • Chili • Baked beans • Tuna Canned meat • Cereal • Peanut butter • Granola bars The Northern Nevada Food Bank will provide the collection barrels. This food bank was recognized as the country’s outstanding food bank. Reservations must be made in advance no later than 12:00 noon on December 17th to lbaker@associasn.com. Please indicate which party and the number of children and adults that will be attending. Please remember you will be required to provide your name and number of guests which will be verified on the RSVP list by Leah at the check-in table. We do not wish to disappoint any of our owners and or other WSCA residents. Volunteers are always encouraged to help with the cookie decorating table.
Heuer Insurance Agency
19 29
86
YEARS
20 15
It’s time HEUER INSURANCE took care of ALL your insurance needs: AUTO INSURANCE • HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE • LIFE INSURANCE RVS/BOATS • COMPETITIVE BUSINESS PACKAGES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION • EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • BONDS
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reat Basin Painting has completed thousands of residential, commercial and industrial projects in the northern Nevada area, including custom homes, housing tracks, apartment complexes, remodel projects, fire stations, schools, malls, resorts and more. We are sure to have the knowledge and expertise to complete your next painting project. 42 years experience in the Northern Nevada area.
775-358-5554 www.heuerinsurance.com info@heuerinsurance.com
5050 Vista Blvd., Suite 101 Sparks, NV 89436 Serving Our Community Since 1929
HawkTalk | Fall 2015
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WINGFIELD SP R IN GS C O M M U N ITY AS S O C IATIO N
2015 MEETING CALENDAR
DATE
MEETING
TIME
LOCATION
NOTES
October 15th
Agenda/Budget Workshop
3:00 p.m.
Sun Porch Room
Mandatory – WSCA Board
October 15th
Executive Sessions/Hearings
5:00 p.m.
Sun Porch Room
Mandatory
October 22nd
Board Meeting
6:00 p.m.
Private Members Lounge
Mandatory
November 19th
Annual Meeting
6:00 p.m.
Private Members Lounge
Mandatory
Workshops will be held to review the agenda items of the next scheduled board meeting. Homeowners are welcome to attend workshops. No action (vote) will be taken by the Board on any matter discussed or reviewed at a workshop. Workshop and meeting notices will be published in each HawkTalk newsletter. HawkTalk will be mailed at least ten (10) days before each board meeting.
H
Board meeting agendas will be posted on the Association’s website the Friday before each board meeting. You may also obtain an agenda copy by calling ASN at (775) 626-7333. HawkTalk newsletter articles and suggestions are due to ASN at least four (4) weeks before each Board of Directors meeting.
aving troubles with your trees? Looking for some advice from a ISA Certified Arborist on how to best care for your trees? The Truckee Meadows Water Authority is sponsoring the Truckee Meadows Community Forestry Coalition. They have a great tree care website: www.communityforestry.org as well as a consulting arborist who can come to your home, free of charge, and do a consultation for you. Dale Carlon will meet with you, walk your property
and develop a report with directions on how to deal with your tree issues. Contact Dale at 775-287-1732 or dalecarlon@
one
yahoo.com to set up an appointment.
Classix One Season Opening Pianist Jon Nakamatsu plays Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, op 43
Renovate your homeowners policy. Laurie Brazier Ins Agcy Inc Laurie Brazier, Agent 5275 Vista Blvd Sparks, NV 89436 Bus: 775-626-1897
Great insurance. Low rates. Remodeling your home can increase its value. Protect it by taking a new look at your homeowners insurance policy. CALL ME TODAY.
October 4 & 6, 2015
at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
Performance generously sponsored by IGT
Tickets: Renophil.com or 775 323-6393 The Reno Phil Orchestra with Laura Jackson, Music Director
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0901136.1
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL
HawkTalk | Fall 2015
Wingfield Springs HOA
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
QUARTERLY REPORT
1
July–September, 2015 87 6 2 5
House watches Sparks Police Department on site Sparks Fire Department on site REMSA on site
1
2 1
1
COMPLAINTS 1
Resident called to report house next to his had water on and it was flooding into their yard 14 Dog complaints (8 barking/3 running loose/3 lost) 1 Resident stopped officer with complaint about worker who blocked her driveway 5 Noise complaints (3 loud music/2 excessive noises) 1 Resident complained about someone peeking in her windows and walking around her back yard
1
MAINTENANCE ISSUES
1
23 Broken sprinkler systems 7 Sprinklers left on
VIOLATIONS 40 Violations of RVs/motorhomes (18 RV parked in the driveway / 21 RVs parked in the street / 1 RV parked in side yard) 7 Violations of boats (2 boats in the driveway /5 boat in the street) 11 Violations of trailers (4 trailers in the driveway/7 trailers in the street) 7 Violations of vehicles (6 cars parked in the street/1 car parked in yard) 26 Trash cans out (16 officer moved to side of House/5 could not determine owner/5 placed can in common area) 22 Open garage doors (2 residents contacted) 2 Side gates open (2 attempted to make contact) 11 Basketball hoops in street 1 Vehicle being worked on in driveway
VANDALISM
1 1
Suspicious vehicle driving slowly on Ambush Resident reported loud bangs coming from behind Black Deer Court Residents reported suspicious activity at his neighbor’s house Resident reported a suspicious man in her bushes and then later in her neighbor’s bushes Resident reported suspicious activity in a house that was unoccupied and for sale Resident reported a vehicle driving up and down the street, parking in front of homes and idling for 15 minutes Resident reported a suspicious vehicle with two persons laying in it Resident reported sounds of racing in the construction area
MISCELLANEOUS 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1
Resident called to request an officer come out as her alarm was going off Officer asked realtor to remove Open House signs Young woman asked for a ride to a residence due to being dizzy Officer removed realty sign Report of youth ringing random doorbells and running away Solicitor vehicle blocking resident’s driveway Resident reported an intoxicated male walking down street Abandoned bicycle Teens putting traffic cones in road to stop residents Children reported to be on roof of house at end of Rey Del Sierra making loud noise Possible abandoned vehicle Solar lights stolen from front yard of residence Resident reported three young males setting off fireworks in Pelican Park Vehicle reported to have been parked on the corner of Grosmont and Wingfield Hills with a for sale sign in the window
1 - Vehicle egged 1 - Truck reported to be driving over irrigation systems multiple times 2 - Vehicles broken into
HawkTalk | Fall 2015
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Rick’s Observations
Reno Green and Sparks) regarding our ongoing irrigation concerns and issues.
It’s starting to cool-down at night and we have survived the droughtplagued summer, but not without issues. As most of you know, our community is not brand new. In fact, most of our common areas and main arteries are somewhere between 10 to 15 years old, and so are the related irrigation water system components throughout our villages. Unfortunately, there are few common irrigation infrastructure components among the villages. What was installed in one village area is not the same as in other villages. In addition to the different systems, Reno Green is continually repairing or replacing broken meters, valves, clocks, heads, and lines on a daily basis. We have also experienced an infestation of chinch, aphids, and other pests, as well as an invasion of broad-leaf and other weeds, and turf fungus. All of this has affected the sod conditions. With the continuing dry conditions into late July and August and into September, we have increased the water cycling and clock times where needed in the common areas and main arteries. All of these multiple issues are being constantly addressed to seek common-sense solutions with the hard work of our Reno Green contractor and supportive maintenance staff. Constant monitoring and communication has been ongoing among Reno Green, Red Hawk Land Company (RHLC), and the WSCA Board by phone, emails, weekly reports, and face-to-face meetings. My intention is to continue to work with our partners (RHLC,
Wingfield Cove
Irrigation
(Village 30)
As I mentioned in the last Hawk Talk our last meeting was held at the end of June with Ms. Jackie Seeno (Cyrus Land Investments, LLC), Mr. Doug Chen (Discovery Builders, Inc.), and Mr. Dana Owyoung (Architect) and multiple representatives (WSCA, RHLC, the DRC, and ASN). The purpose of this meeting was to review the latest Wingfield Cove project information. As you have noticed, the preparation work has commenced in the area of Wingfield Springs Rd. and Poco Rey Dr. by Shaw Engineering to remove buildings and start the project development infrastructure. During this meeting, Ms. Seeno and her team were invited to attend our October Fall Board Meeting. We have learned that Ms. Seeno has accepted our invitation and will attend the WSCA Board Meeting on October 22nd to present an update on the Wingfield Cove project (please read the ASN Community Manager’s Report).
Richard “Rick” Jones
SNOW MAINTENANCE REMINDER The City of Sparks Section 12.16.035 regulates the Maintenance of sidewalks. A. Property Owners shall be responsible for the general maintenance of a sidewalk in the public right-of-way that abuts the property of the owner, including, without limitation, sweeping, removal of snow, ice and weeds, and maintenance preventing any grass, shrubs or trees from encroaching upon the sidewalk. B. In the event snow and ice on a sidewalk become so hard that it cannot be removed without likelihood of damage to the sidewalk, the person or entity charged with its removal shall cause enough sand or other abrasive to be put on the sidewalk to make travel thereon reasonably safe. (Ord. 1349 § 1, 1982.) Please do not move snow from your driveway or walkway onto the sidewalk or street. All of the streets in Wingfield Springs are maintained, including snow removal, by the City of Sparks with the following sub-association exceptions: 1. Bella Vista; private streets 2. The Fairways; private streets 3. Tavo Valera; Aston Circle is maintained by the City of Sparks, the courts are maintained by the Tavo Valera Homeowners Association The Board understands that per the City of Sparks ordinance, snow removal on sidewalks is the responsibility of each individual owner. However, as a courtesy, the Board has decided to have some sidewalks (excluding cul de sacs) within the Community cleared. Page 6
Clearing the sidewalks on these streets will only commence for storms creating at least 2 inches of snow. The total annual budget for the snow removal service is not-to-exceed $10,000; after which the Board will be required to decide to spend more money if required. The sidewalks have been prioritized based on the primary access streets and consist of:
PRIORITY 1: • Wingfield Springs road end to end (General Thatcher Dr. to Poco Bueno Circle) • Wingfield Springs Pkwy. both the North and South sides • Wingfield Hills Rd. from Vista to Wingfield Springs Pkwy.
PRIORITY 2: General Thatcher Dr./South Florentine Dr. Rey Del Sierra Dr./Poco Rey Dr. Silverton Wy. 10 Mile Dr./Banestone Rd. Oxley Dr./Solstice Dr. Singing Hills Dr. Old Waverly Dr. Ingleston Dr. Lawry Dr. Cinnamon Dr.
Eagle Wing Circle Silver King Dr. Island Queen Dr. Decoy Dr. Little Easy Dr. La Costa St. Ash Peak Dr. Pride Dr. Poco Bueno Circle Ambush Ridge Dr. Grosmont Dr.
HawkTalk | Fall 2015
When Your Castle Needs Some Work
A
s our homes age and our personal needs change along with the aging, many of us want/need to do some remodeling. The State of Nevada offers some important suggested recommendations that help decrease the chance of being disappointed with the project:
• Request that your contractor supply you with a payment and performance bond. • Require that payments be made directly to subcontractors, laborers and suppliers of materials. through a mechanism that controls payment for construction. • Issue joint checks for payment [the subcontractors, laborers and suppliers of materials]. • Require your contractor to provide you with unconditional “waiver and release” (lien release) forms.
In addition, the NV Administrative Code and the NV Revised Statutes provide: NAC 624.6932 Informational form regarding contractors. (NRS 624.100, 624.600) The informational form that a general building contractor is required to provide regarding contractors pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 3 of NRS 624.600 to the owner of a single-family residence with whom he or she has contracted. Contractors are required by law to be licensed and regulated by the State Contractors’ Board. The State Contractors’ Board has jurisdiction to investigate complaints that are filed against contractors: The law of this State requires that a person or entity who enters into a contract to perform construction work be properly licensed by the State Contractors’ Board for the category of work that the person or entity intends to perform. Laws regulating licensed contractors are designed to protect the public. If you contract with a person or entity who is not licensed to perform construction work, your remedies against that person or entity may be limited to a suit in civil court. You may be liable for damages arising out of any injuries to an unlicensed contractor or that contractor’s employees, as well as withholding taxes, contributions pursuant to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and contributions for industrial insurance and unemployment compensation. In addition, you must comply with other applicable state and federal laws regarding employment. Finally, you should be aware that construction performed on your property must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes and regulations. HawkTalk | Fall 2015
A contractor is required to include the contractor’s license number on all of his or her advertising, vehicles, bids and contracts. You should contact the State Contractors’ Board to find out if a contractor has a valid license and, if so, the status of that license and the status of any disciplinary action by visiting the website of the Board at http://www. nvcontractorsboard.com or calling the Board at (775) 688-1141 or (702) 486-1111.
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY FUND Payment may be available from the Recovery Fund if you are damaged financially by a project performed on your residence pursuant to a contract, including construction, remodeling, repair or other improvements, and the damage resulted from certain specified violations of Nevada law by a contractor licensed in this State. To obtain information relating to the Recovery Fund and filing a claim for recovery from the Recovery Fund, you may contact the State Contractors’ Board at either of the phone numbers shown above. This fund is supported by assessments paid by all licensed contractors and sub-contractors who perform residential construction. It may cover up to $35,000 in damages; however, it is a measure of last resort and may not cover all costs of damages to your dwelling.
ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS? NRS 624.031 Applicability of chapter: Exemptions. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to; for example, please see 624.031 for a full description: 5. Any work to repair or maintain property the value of which is less than $1,000, including labor and materials, unless:
(a) A building permit is required to perform the work; (b) The work is of a type performed by plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, heating or air-conditioning contractor;
Owners who choose to use a handyman may be lucky to escape any accidents, inferior work product or other hazards, but as in all other significant financial undertakings...caveat emptor. Shared by Marilyn Brainard, Secretary
Page 7
Wingfield Springs Community Association c/o Associa Sierra North 10509 Professional Circle, Ste. 200 Reno, NV 89521
EVENTS OCTOBER ELDORADO GREAT ITALIAN FESTIVAL October 10–11 The Eldorado Great Italian Festival transforms downtown Reno into Little Italy with a grape stomp, sauce cookers competition, wine walk, Italian Farmer’s Market, kids’ gelato-eating contest, Italian Buffet and incredible FREE live entertainment.
RENO ZOMBIE CRAWL October 24 The thing about the re-animated dead is, they can’t WAIT to return! The Reno Zombie Crawl is back with more of what you love!
PUMPKINPALOOZA 2015 October 25 Downtown Sparks Victorian Square will celebrate all things pumpkin! Build and race a pumpkin, children’s costume parade, storytelling, live music, carnival games and lots more. Tons of old-fashioned fun for the entire family.
NEVADA DAY PARADE October 31 The 77th annual event is the longest running admissions day celebration in the country and features a large parade.
NOVEMBER OFF BEAT ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL November 5–8 Off Beat Arts & Music Festival is a citywide arts and music festival that showcases northern Nevada’s growing music, art and culinary scene.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RENO, NV PERMIT NO. 379
COMIC CON RENO November 20–22 Join tens of thousands of fellow fans as they converge on the Reno-Sparks Convention Center at Wizard World Comic Con Reno to celebrate the best in pop culture.
DECEMBER SPARKS ANNUAL HOMETOWNE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION December 4 & 5 Kick off the holiday season with a traditional Christmas parade, tree lighting, entertainment and photos with Santa
CHRISTMAS ON THE COMSTOCK December 5 Step back in time this holiday season and celebrate Christmas as they did in the 19th century. Historic Virginia City hosts its annual Christmas on the Comstock this December, offering a Victorian-style holiday celebration.
NEVADA CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL December 26–31 Presented by the Reno Chamber Orchestra Featuring eleven unique concerts showcasing world class musicians and the best in classical music.
JANUARY TAHOE: A VISUAL HISTORY Ongoing through January 10 See Lake Tahoe come alive, artfully. The Nevada Museum of Art has organized the first major art historical survey exhibition of painting, Native baskets, photographs, historical maps, and early sketches.
COMMUNITY NOTES & REMINDERS WINTERIZING YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM It is almost time to winterize your irrigation system. This generally involves: 1. Turning off the below ground water valve 2. Setting the control timer in your garage to the “off” position, OPTIONAL 3. Turning off the 2 valves on the back-flow preventer (the upside down “U” shaped assembly that comes out of the ground on the side of the house) 4. Opening the bleed screw 5. Covering the entire assembly with an insulation blanket (these are available at most hardware and home improvement stores) This does not guarantee against problems, but it substantially decreases the chances of damage to your system. These are general instructions, you should check with your system installer for specific winterization recommendations. Also, you should disconnect all exterior hoses from the hose bibs. EXTERIOR HOME HOLIDAY DECORATIONS Holiday decorations may be installed fourteen (14) days before a holiday, and shall be taken down within fourteen (14) days after the holiday. December holiday decorations are permitted to be installed starting November 15th, but not illuminated until Thanksgiving week, at the earliest. December holiday lighting and exterior lawn displays are to be removed by February 1st.